The Los Angeles Lakers return home looking to snap a four-game losing streak as they take on the Phoenix Suns tonight. The Lakers will be without LeBron James, while Luka Doncic is listed as probable with a right ankle sprain.
Los Angeles (40-25) has slipped from second to fifth in the Western Conference standings following its recent struggles. The Purple and Gold are 6-4 in their last ten games and will need a strong finish to the season to regain home-court advantage in the playoffs.
Phoenix (31-26) has also struggled despite featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. The Suns sit 11th in the West, trailing the 10th-seed Dallas Mavericks by 1.5 games.
The Lakers’ injury report is extensive, with James (groin strain), Rui Hachimura (knee tendinopathy), and Maxi Kleber (foot surgery recovery) ruled out. Doncic, Jaxson Hayes, and rookie Dalton Knecht are probable, while Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent are questionable.
Phoenix will be without Grayson Allen (foot strain) and Jalen Bridges (G League assignment), while Monte Morris is questionable and Nick Richards is probable.
This will be the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the teams, with the Suns leading the series 2-1. With both squads battling injuries, depth contributions could determine the outcome.
UPDATE:
According to Jovan Buha, Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht are all available.
